White ginger (Hedychium coronarium) is a tropical, herbaceous plant that grows from rhizomes buried in the soil. The flowers are white with a delicate, intoxicating fragrance and a subtle display. Plant white ginger in damp, loamy soil and shade to partial sun--full sun is tolerable, but do not let the plant dry out during hot weather. White ginger is hardy in USDA planting zones 8b to 11. Butterfly ginger is another common name for Hedychium coronarium.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the nursery pot, using a shovel. Fill the hole with water and let it drain out before planting. Space holes for multiple plants 24 to 36 inches apart.
Slide the root ball out of the nursery pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If it is reluctant, slide a sharp knife around the inside edge of the pot to cut any clinging roots.
Place the root ball into the hole with the rhizomes at the same depth as they were in the nursery pot. If the tops of the white ginger rhizomes are exposed, leave them exposed above the soil line.
Push the soil back into the hole around the root ball. Pat the soil down as you go to press out air pockets around the root system. Water in the roots until the soil is damp to the bottom of the planting hole.
Water often to keep the soil around the rhizomes consistently damp. In hot, dry weather, water daily or every other day. Fertilize white ginger once a week, using a balanced fertilizer. Check the package for proper application method and quantity.